Reuben

American  

[roo-buhn] / ˈru bən /

noun

1. the eldest son of Jacob and Leah. Genesis 29, 30.

2. one of the 12 tribes of Israel, the tribe traditionally descended from him.

3. Reuben sandwich.

4. a male given name.

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Reuben British  

/ ˈruːbɪn /

noun

1. the eldest son of Jacob and Leah: one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel (Genesis 29:30)

2. the Israelite tribe descended from him

3. the territory of this tribe, lying to the northeast of the Dead Sea

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Etymology

Origin of Reuben

From Late Latin Ruben, from Greek Rhoubḗn, from Hebrew Rĕʾūbhēn, of uncertain origin, but traditionally translated as “Behold, a son!” and associated with Rāʾāh bĕʿōnī “He (God) has looked upon my affliction” (by granting Leah a son)

Example Sentences

The previous ambassador, Reuben Brigety, resigned in November 2024, just before Trump took office.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Years later, once Rebecca had given birth to Asher and Fiona was pregnant with Reuben, the couple were desperate to contact the man who had given them the opportunity to have children.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

Five years later, Mr. Lloyd recorded a version for “Mirror,” with a wonderful quartet including Mr. Harland, pianist Jason Moran and bassist Reuben Rogers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Drs. Chui, Reuben and Trinh will be among the experts elaborating on all of this at a conference on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Skirball Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 6, 2025

She remembered her battle with Reuben and knew she wouldn’t survive a second round.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz